Trick or Treat and October Fest– performances of note for October 2008

More than in any other month, dance reigns in October (December runs a second) with presentations of large productions as well as small demonstrations and previews in studios throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.

At Baryshnikov Arts Center/ 450 W 37th Street, new works will feature Big Dance Theater; Annie-B Parson and Paul Lazar; Edwaard Liang; and Stacy Matthew Spence, October 9-12. The Arts Center is a 6-floor, renovated building with large studios and bleacher seating. There is a ticket fee for this opening: 212-279-4200 or www.ticketcentral.com.— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Alvin Alley II, presented a demonstration of their new works before embarking on their yearly tour. The dancers all under 21 years-of-age, are skilled, enthusiastic and about to become absorbed into the professional world. Under the artistic direction of Sylvia Waters, a 40-year head of this company, probably holds a record for teaching, directing and restaging works for the Alley monolith.

Troy Powell, Water's associate artistic director, choreographed "Hope" to music by David Chesky. There is little hope for this beyond being a good opener. "Valse" followed by Sidra Bell fell into the category of "college dance"….the acting-out of currentage-related angst. Although the title promises a romantic theme there wasn't one or even one quarter bar of music by Sidra's father, Dennis Bell. Ah, well.

The closing work was by George W. Faison, a veteran choreographer with an irresistible entertainment facility. Nothing has tarnished in his sense of humor, craft or ability to choose the right dancer for the right role. In his "Movin' On" to music by Betty Carter, Faison uses the jazz idiom, with ease and the audience and cast obviously like seeing it once more.

Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company will give a noon preview at the City Center Theater, 10/5, open to the public. Free tickets will be distributed beginning at 11:30. In case you miss breakfast, the new snack area alongside the theater will be open.

The Wheeldon Company is performing nightly 10/1-5 at City Center.

It will premier a work co-commissioned by City Center and Sadler's Wells Theatre. The performances will have full-orchestra live music and dancers from U.S. and European ballet companies, including Wendy Whelan, Tiler Peck, Edwaard Liang and Teresa Reichlen.— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Parul Shah and her exceptional company of five dancers, Parul Shah Dance Company, will be performing October 3 and 4, at Dance New Amsterdam, 280 Broadway, entrance on Chambers Street. Shah presents a program of traditional to contemporary Kathak North Indian dance. This exceptional performer and choreographer will present her new "History of Unforgetting," inspired by South Asian female temple-court artists.